Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has appealed to traditional rulers across the state to support his second-term bid and help ensure a peaceful governorship election slated for June 20, 2026.
The governor made the call on Monday in Ijero-Ekiti while commissioning the newly completed ultra-modern Owa Ajero Palace, built for the Ajero of Ijero Kingdom, Joseph Adebayo Adewole.
Oyebanji, who was represented by his deputy, Monisade Afuye, assured the monarchs that his administration would continue to respect the independence of the traditional institution and would not politicize it. He urged royal fathers to deploy their experience to entrench peace in their domains before, during, and after the election to prevent violence and bloodshed that could disrupt development.
He also called on Ekiti voters to participate actively in the election, describing it as a civic responsibility essential for deepening democracy and sustaining the gains recorded by his administration over the past three and a half years.
According to the governor, the commissioning of the palace reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing the traditional institution and ensuring respect and comfort for monarchs to enable them discharge their duties effectively. He noted that the administration has installed 11 traditional rulers across the three senatorial districts without interference in selection processes, leaving such sacred duties to kingmakers in line with custom.
Oyebanji praised the communal spirit and peaceful disposition of Ijero Kingdom and commended Oba Adewole for preserving the cultural heritage of the community, Ekiti State, and the Yoruba race at large.
In his remarks, Oba Adewole thanked the governor for intervening to ensure the completion of the palace, a project that began about 30 years ago. He described the edifice as a symbol of resilience and industry of the Ijero people.
The monarch also predicted a landslide victory for Governor Oyebanji in the forthcoming election, citing his performance, respect for traditional rulers, and strong grassroots support. He said the governor’s emergence as candidate of the All Progressives Congress was a product of prayers by traditional rulers and expressed confidence that he would secure a second term.
Oba Adewole, who recalled ascending the throne amid crisis in 1991, said completing the palace fulfilled a personal pledge to leave behind a befitting legacy. He also sympathized with residents affected by the February 11, 2026 rainstorm that destroyed several houses in the town, thanking God that no lives were lost.
Dignitaries at the event included the lawmaker representing Ijero Constituency in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Ademola Ojo; Chairman of Ijero Local Government, Abayomi Folowosele; commissioners, political leaders, traditional rulers, members of the Ajero-in-Council, community and religious leaders.
